Class 8A Football: H-F Uses Second-Half Surge to Oust Marist

Breaking It Down: Being the underdog is just fine with the Vikings. Going up against the favored RedHawks in the first round of the Class 8A state playoffs Friday night, the Vikings matched Marist blow for blow in the first half before nabbing two big turnovers to put away the host RedHawks, 48-28.

Both offenses looked unstoppable for much of the first half, as H-F quarterback Tim Williams and Marist QB Ian Woodworth each guided his team to three touchdowns before heading to the locker rooms with the game tied at 21-all at intermission. However, it was Homewood-Flossmoor’s defense that turned the tide in the second half.

The Vikings' Keith Smith scooped up a Ryan Carroll fumble and raced down the sideline to set up the go-ahead score early in the second half. Then, three drives later, Eric Hewlett snatched a Woodworth pass to set up another Vikings touchdown that effectively iced the game.

Patch’s MVP: H-F running back Anfernee Roberts was a human wrecking ball, piling up 140 yards and two scores. The Vikings relied on the talented tailback in the second half to control the clock and seal the victory.

Homewood-Flossmoor Stat Pack: Quarterback Tim Williams accounted for four scores—three rushing and one passing. Gerald Butler caught a touchdown pass. Devon Porter and Michael Anyiwo both recorded sacks.

Marist Stat Pack: Ian Woodworth threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns. Nic Weishar had 154 yards receiving, with two touchdowns and an interception. Peter Andreotti had a 36-yard touchdown run.

Quotable I: H-F quarterback Tim Williams on the road win: “I'm on top of the world right now. It was a really good win in a loud atmosphere. We played with a lot of focus and intensity and got the job done. I'm really proud of my guys.”

Quotable II: Marist head coach Pat Dunne on his team's two turnovers: “Obviously, right now, I think the one thing they did well was we had some turnovers there and they capitalized on those turnovers. That was a big part of the game.”

Team Records: The win improves Homewood-Flossmoor to 7-3 overall. The loss dropped Marist to 7-3.

What’s Next: Homewood-Flossmoor will play Lockport next weekend in the second round. The loss ended Marist's season.

Other Scores of Interest: Lockport 18, Simeon 15. For more scores, check out the IHSA Score Zone.